How to Remove Fat from Stubborn Areas

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen — No Comments ↓

Stubborn areas of fat are a common complaint with our patients here at The Private Clinic. Stubborn areas of fat can take form anywhere from the stomach to the arms and even the legs. But what actually causes these stubborn areas?

Many of us can feel we spend the majority of our time exercising and eating healthily but with no physical reward of a flatter stomach for example.

Here at The Private Clinic we offer a range of procedures to help you reduce or remove stubborn areas of fat which we will go into below;

Vaser Lipo

Vaser (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) liposuction is a specialised and minimally invasive fat removal procedure that uses the most advanced ultrasound technology which only targets fat cells leaving surrounding areas of tissue undamaged and fat cells dramatically reduced.

Areas: Thighs, Abdomen, Breasts, Buttocks, Flanks, Arms, Chin, Back, Chest, Neck, Knees, Male chest reduction (gynecomastia)

Procedure: The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic but sedation is available if requested. A small probe is inserted through a small incision which is then used to transmit ultrasound energy which liquefies the fat cells before they are removed through a gentle suction process.

Results: You will see a result immediately after surgery however the final results are not seen until 5-6 weeks post procedure.

Downtime: There is minimal downtime and many patients get back to their daily routines within a couple of days depending on the areas and amount treated. You will experience bruising to some extent and some swelling, but wearing a pressure garment for 2-4 weeks after surgery will reduce this. To help speed up recovery we recommend a course of MLD massages after your treatment.

Micro Lipo

Micro Liposuction is a technique that uses smaller cannulas with smaller incisions allowing surgeons to target small delicate areas. MicroLipo is available exclusively at The Private Clinic, performed by one of the few surgeons in Europe offering this treatment – Dr Puneet Gupta.

Areas: Arms, Chin, Inner thighs, Knees, Flanks, Abdomen, Female Breasts Reduction, Male Chest

Procedure:  The procedure begins with an anaesthetic fluid being injected into the area to be treated. The liquid fills and essentially swells the area making it tumescent as well as numbing it. The pressure in the now tumescent area is now increased which helps to separate the fat cells from the surrounding tissue. The fat cells are then easily and gently suctioned out using micro cannulas without damaging any of the surrounding tissue.

Results: Initial results can be seen immediately after the procedure but final results will be visible 3-4 weeks post-procedure.

Downtime: There is minimal downtime with this procedure but you will be required to wear a pressure garment which works to reduce swelling. The majority of patients are able to return to their normal routine within 48 hours.

Vaser Hi-Def

Assisted High Definition LipoSculpture, also known as Vaser Hi-Def is a pioneering body contouring treatment that aims to define and sculpt muscles resulting in a more athletic appearance.

Areas: Abdomen, Chest, Waist, Back, Buttocks, Arms, Flanks and Thighs

Procedure:  Vaser Hi-Def is performed under local anaesthetic and involves a probe being inserted via small incisions and an ultrasonic fat-specific wave breaks down the fat cells whilst leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed.  The surgeon at this point then works to remove superficial and deep fat surrounding muscle groups to improve the appearance of the underlying toning and muscle structure.

Results:  Results can include defined upper arms, an athletic six pack and even strong-looking pectorals.  The best results are seen after a couple of weeks.

Downtime:  Home rest is advised for the rest of the day after your procedure and some patients continue to take an additional 3-5 days off work. You may experience swelling for the first couple of weeks after the procedure but you should be fine to return to your usual day-to-day activities shortly after your procedure.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck also known as an Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that is designed to tighten the abdomen. An Abdominoplasty is more suited for patients who have loose skin or damage to their stomach muscles often as a result of pregnancy.

Areas: Stomach and Flanks (Extended Abdominoplasty)

Procedure: A tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthetic and an incision is made across the base of the abdomen from hip to hip. Your surgeon will take care to ensure that this incision sits within your natural bikini line. A second incision would also be made to remove your belly button before your stretched muscles are pulled together and any excess fat or skin is removed. Your belly button will then be placed in its new position and stitched into place along. Once the procedure is complete you will be stitched back up and you will wake up with your bandages already in place.

Results:  The results are instant however you will experience swelling so it is best to wait for at least 2 weeks up until 6 months to see the final results.

Downtime: You will be required to stay in hospital after your procedure and you will need to wear an abdominal support garment. You will need to wear your support garment constantly for the first 2 weeks and then just during the day for the following month. The majority of patients tend to book 2-3 weeks off work to fully recover and ensure that they have someone to help at home for the first 1-2 weeks post-surgery.

Surgical Liposuction

Surgical liposuction is a surgical procedure where fat is removed from the body via a suction process. It is often combined with a tummy tuck for a full body sculpting procedure.

Areas: Any area including; buttocks, hips, thighs, abdomen, chin, upper arms, breasts or knees

Procedure: Surgical liposuction is performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will use a tube called a cannula that is inserted via a small incision. The cannula is connected to a powerful suction pump which works to take out the fat from the problem areas.

Results: You will see initial results immediately after your procedure but there will be swelling so the best results are not seen until several months after surgery.

Downtime: There is more downtime associated with surgical liposuction compared to Vaser Liposuction but many patients report being able to return to work a week after the procedure with minimal discomfort. You will be required to wear a support garment and avoid exercise for at least a month.

The Private Clinic

With nearly 30 years’ experience in helping patients get back their body confidence, The Private Clinic prides itself on setting the highest industry standards and working with the most capable and experienced surgeons. From our relaxed, sympathetic and informative consultations to the very best aftercare, you’ll be given first-class treatment every step of the way.

We have clinics all across the UK including in:

London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Northampton and Princes Risborough (Buckinghamshire)

We also have consultation rooms in: Newcastle, Essex, Liverpool, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

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How does an FUE Hair Transplant work?

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen — No Comments ↓

FUE Hair Transplants are always steadily rising in popularity and the normality of it also is increasing thanks to the likes of celebrities such as Wayne Rooney, James Nesbitt and Calum Best who have all admitted going through hair transplant procedures to improve their declining hairlines.

Despite this, the knowledge around Hair Transplants, in particular FUE Hair Transplants is limited with many of us not really knowing how or even why an FUE Hair Transplant works.

James Nesbitt Before and After Hair Transplant Treatment
*All images, videos and testimonials are based on the personal experiences of our patients and represent individual body shapes and results. Results may vary from person to person. All testimonials are provided voluntarily by our patients and clients and all photos and videos have been consented to and have not been altered in any way.

Here at The Private Clinic, providing you with plenty of information about all the procedures we offer is our priority and in our blog today we are going to cover how an FUE Hair Transplant works and briefly what is involved within the procedure, but we have plenty more information on our website and videos that cover this in more detail too.

FUE Hair Transplant

An FUE Hair Transplant is also known as a follicular unit extraction transplant and involves taking individual hair follicles from a donor area, usually the back (or side) of the head.  The individual follicles are then implanted back into the balding areas on the head.

How does a FUE Hair Transplant work?

An FUE Hair Transplant works by being able to remove only the healthiest and most robust of individual hair follicles from the donor area which is most typically the back of the head, sometimes the sides.

These donor hair follicles are then transplanted one by one back into the balding areas (of the scalp for example) that are being treated. At The Private Clinic our surgeons are highly experienced in creating the most natural looking results by carefully placing the follicles at the same angles and in the same directions as your natural hair growth.

FUE Hair Transplants have a very high success rate as each individual hair follicle is taken from areas of the scalp where there is healthy and permanent hair growth. Donor hair is often taken from the back of the head which is an area of the male scalp that is resistant to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which is the usual cause of balding in the front and crown of the head – also known as male pattern baldness.

When the DHT resistant hair follicle is placed in the new area, it still retains this element meaning your new hair growth should remain permanent unless it was genetically meant to fall out.

The transplanted hairs also successfully root in your recipient area as it is your own hair. There is a common misconception that hair from another will be used and this is certainly not the case.

Why choose The Private Clinic for an FUE Hair Transplant? 

  • Minimally invasive treatment, carried out under local anaesthetic.
  • We use the finest instruments, resulting in as minimal trauma to your scalp as possible.
  • Highly experienced Hair Transplant Surgeons who have many years of experience in FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and treat hundreds of patients every year.
  • No stitches are required after treatment meaning recovery time is reduced compared to Strip (FUT) surgery.
  • Our advanced skills, methods and techniques mean results can be undetectable.
  • Minimal scarring post-surgery means you’ll be free to wear your hair long or short afterwards.
  • We ensure that only the strongest, healthiest follicles are selected for your transplant procedure by working by hair, not per graft.
  • Hair is implanted in the direction that matches your hair growth meaning your results will look natural, with denser packing.
  • 24 hour patient helpline.
  • Comprehensive patient information.
  • Outstanding clinic facilities.
  • Excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound head of hair.
  • Our surgeons are the only surgeons in the UK offering the Unshaven Hair Transplant (U-FUE) to those who prefer not to shave beforehand. At your consultation, we will be able to advise you on whether an unshaven procedure is suitable for you.

Our Hair transplant consultation and treatment clinics are located in London Harley Street, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds but we also have consultation clinics in Northampton, Princes Risborough (Buckinghamshire) and consultation rooms in Newcastle, Essex, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

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The Cost of a FUE Hair Transplant in London

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen — No Comments ↓

When it comes to researching an FUE Hair Transplant there is a variety of information that you want to know including the type of procedure required, the surgeon and most importantly in some cases the cost.

When it comes to giving you a cost for an FUE Hair Transplant you may struggle. A lot of surgeons and advisors will refuse to give you a cost before you come in for a consultation. This is not a sales technique and they are not being difficult – it is important to understand that costing for a hair transplant is very individual and will depend on a number of factors which can only be assessed during a consultation.

We do understand however that it is helpful to at least have an idea of how much you need to start saving so we have answered some of the most common cost related questions for FUE Hair Transplants in London;

What is the average cost of an FUE hair transplant at The Private Clinic in London?

The cost of an FUE Hair Transplant depends on the area or areas of the head that the patient would like to treat. There are most commonly three sections;

  • A-Zone – Frontal core, hairline and temples
  • B-Zone – Mid core
  • C-Zone – Crown

At The Private Clinic the cost of an FUE Hair Transplant is £2.50 per hair or £7.50 per graft.

A graft is the sebaceous gland where the hair follicle is attached too. There is an average 1 – 5 hairs per graft and most commonly an average of 3000-4000 hair follicles are required meaning the average cost is between £6000-9000.

Area Average number of Grafts/Hairs Average Cost
A-Zone (Frontal core/hairline/temples) 2500 Hairs £5000
B-Zone (Mid core) 3000-3500 Hairs £6000-£7000
C-Zone (Crown) 4000-4500 Hairs £8000-£9000

*Please note these costs are average costs

How does the cost of an FUE Hair transplant vary depending on the area chosen?

The area of your scalp being transplanted can alter the cost of your FUE Hair Transplant. For example; if you are having your hairline or temples treated, this area is smaller compared to if you were having your crown treated which means the number of hairs will differ.

Hair loss can also vary between patients to patient which is why we prefer our patients to come in for an individual assessment where we can give you an accurate cost for your FUE Hair Transplant.

Does cost of FUE hair transplants differ from cost of FUT hair transplants?

An FUE Hair Transplant is the most minimally invasive method of carrying out a hair transplant due to the advanced technique and experience of the surgeons required the cost of an FUE Hair Transplant will on average be more than an FUT Hair Transplant. But the benefits of an FUE Hair transplant more than cover the additional expense.

What are the payment plans at The Private Clinic?

The Private Clinic offer a variety of different flexible payment plans and finance options including 6 months at 0% interest, 12 months at 4.9% interest, and anything over 24 months at 14.9% interest. To find out more visit:

https://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/treatments/cosmetic-surgery-finance-options-packages

What are the dangers of the cost of low priced hair transplants?

The quality of the work carried out, the experience and ethical approach of the surgeon and medical team could be far less reputable from a low priced hair transplant, which could potentially reflect in the final result of the hair transplant.

If the treatment is not a success, there is a danger that further treatment in the future may not be possible, this is because of the damage caused to the donor area.

What are safe low cost alternatives to an FUE Hair Transplant?

We do offer alternative treatments to an FUE Hair Transplant and these include FDA approved medications such as minoxidil (5%) lotion and finasteride (oral medication)

These are the only FDA approved medications available to patients and are both advised by the majority of all the hair transplant surgeons that work at The Private Clinic.

The medications are just a precautionary measure to help slow down and potentially stop further hair loss from developing. They can also thicken up the finer hairs which although will only be able to achieve 10% of what a full FUE Hair Transplant can achieve, in some cases it is enough to approve a patients appearance.

It is worth noting that medications are not able to grow new hair, in those instances you will need an FUE Hair Transplant but we do advise that patients take either of these medications for 6 months and in some cases they notice a visible improvement.

Please note that any references to cost in this blog are average costings only. To get a more accurate quote for your FUE Hair Transplant you must book a consultation as everyone is different. It is always quite tricky to give quotes on areas as it depends on the severity of the hair loss.

To book a FUE Hair Transplant consultation please call 0330 311 4474 or visit our FUE Hair Transplant page on our website.

Why choose The Private Clinic for an FUE Hair Transplant?

  • FUE is a minimally invasive treatment, carried out under local anaesthetic.
  • We use the finest instruments, resulting in as minimal trauma to your scalp as possible.
  • Highly experienced Hair Transplant Surgeons who have many years of experience in FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and treat hundreds of patients every year.
  • You won’t require any stitches after your treatment which means that the recovery time is reduced when compared to the Strip (FUT) surgery.
  • Thanks to our advanced skills and techniques, results can be undetectable.
  • You’ll be free to wear your hair long or short post-treatment with minimal scarring
  • We work by hair, not per graft – this ensures that only the strongest, healthiest follicles are selected for your transplant procedure.
  • Hair is implanted in the direction that matches your hair growth meaning your results will look natural, with denser packing.
  • 24 hour patient helpline to ensure you are always in the best of hands.
  • Comprehensive patient information, every step of the way.
  • Outstanding hospital facilities.
  • Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound head of hair.
  • Our surgeons are the only surgeons in the UK offering the Unshaven Hair Transplant (U-FUE) to those who prefer not to shave beforehand. At your consultation, we will be able to advise you on whether an unshaven procedure is suitable for you.

Our Hair transplant consultation and treatment clinics are located in London Harley Street, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds.

We also have consultation clinics in Northampton, Princes Risborough (Buckinghamshire) and consultation rooms in Newcastle, Essex, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

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We answer your questions on Breast Implant Replacement

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen — No Comments ↓

Breast Implant Replacement Surgery is steadily increasing with many of us choosing to downsize or even increase the size of our implants. We have put together our most frequently asked questions about breast replacement surgery to help you make a more informed decision about your breast implant replacement procedure

How much bigger or smaller in size would I be able to go? 

A common reason for breast implant replacement is that the patient is unhappy with the size of their original implants and would like to have a bigger or smaller implant instead.

Picking your original implant size is not usually a haste decision and you should have had a sizing process with your surgeon or a nurse who would have taken measurements of your breast base and shape in order to advise on the best implant suited for you.

Over time, preferences may change which can result in patients wishing they had bigger or smaller implants. The amount you can decrease or increase the size of your implant does depend on your breast tissue and chest size. If you have minimal breast tissue then it is best to not go up in size of too much as you risk your natural breast tissue becoming distorted and often the implant will be too wide for your chest resulting in a very unnatural and fake appearance.

There is not usually too much of a problem downsizing your implants. You will be able to go as small as you desire before reaching your natural breast tissue size – in which case it is best to just remove the implant. One issue to downsizing may be that you might require a mastopexy or uplift. The tissue around the implant would have been stretched to fit the larger implant and by putting a smaller implant in, could result in excess skin.

Do I have to have my implants exchanged with the same plastic surgeon that I had my original breast augmentation with?

It is always advisable that you do visit your previous plastic surgeon should you decide that you wish to replace or remove your implants. This surgeon will know your case history, circumstances and most importantly the details of the implants and where they are positioned within the bust.

However, we understand that this may not always be possible, nor is it essential.

A new plastic surgeon would usually be happy to discuss your case with you however they will ask for the following information;

The make of your implants
The size of your implants (CC’s)
The shape of your implant (anatomical or round)
The position of your implant (in-front or behind the muscle)
and any other relevant details about the procedure

Your new surgeon will need this information to be able to put in the place the most appropriate treatment plan for your removal or replacement surgery in order you to achieve the best result.

Does the new implant go in the same place as the old one?

In the majority of cases your surgeon will choose to place your new implants in the same pocket as your previous implants because this means your recovery time will be shorter.

However, if your surgeon finds there is an issue with the pocket, or you have expressed concerns of a capsule or you can feel the edges of an implant then they may suggest changing the position of your new implant to instead sit under the muscle (if it was previously in front) as this can usually rectify any issues with outlines of the implants being prominent.

If your previous implant was sitting high and felt a little unnatural then they may discuss placing your new implant in front of the muscle as a high implant is usually caused by your muscle holding it in a higher position. Moving in in front will allow the implant to settle into a more natural position within the bust.

If I want to have my implants replaced, would that involve having two separate procedures?

A common misconception is that removal and replacement surgery is two different procedures; one to remove the implants and the next to insert new implants.

In the majority of cases, this is not the case and you will be fine to have your implants both removed and replaced in the same procedure.

But in some rare cases it may be necessary to have two separate procedures. An infection around the implant may mean that your surgeon recommends you take a 3 month break to allow your body to recover in the best way without another implant causing any additional problems. Once you get the all clear you will be able to go ahead with the second stage of your surgical procedure and have implants inserted again.

Some patients may feel unsure if they want to have their implants replaced or not, in these cases it may be beneficial to have them removed and allow your breast tissue to contract again naturally to then best assess what size, if any, would then be best for you.

Will the recovery period be the same as my breast augmentation procedure?

In most cases, the recovery period after a breast replacement is much quicker than your previous breast augmentation surgery with less pain, downtime and general discomfort. The reason for this is because the pocket that your implant sits within and the tissue surrounding it have already been stretched during your initial surgery.

If the position of your new implants are changing however then the recovery time changes a little to sit more in line with your original breast augmentation.

What are the scars like after breast implant replacement surgery?

The scars after further breast implant procedures should not change too much from your original breast augmentation scar if this was in the inframammary fold which is just along the bottom of your breast where it meets your chest. If you had your original breast implants inserted via the areola or armpit then unless your surgeon is happy to remove them this way – it is worth knowing that an additional scar will be made in the inframammary fold beneath your breast.

Your surgeon will most likely cut out and remove your previous scar so your new scar will be in the same place. The only difference may be that your scar is shorter as older breast augmentation scars were slightly longer at 6cm long compared the 4-5cm scars these days.

If you are choosing to have a mastopexy or uplift with your breast implant replacement then additional scarring would occur. Usually a lollypop scar is used with this type of procedure which means the scar will run around your areola and down your breast.

The Private Clinic

The Private Clinic is renowned for setting high standards in the cosmetic industry and we value our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction. From the first consultation through to your first-class aftercare we have some of the most experienced and well-respected surgeons in the industry as part of our breast implant team at locations across the UK;

London Harley Street, Birmingham, Northampton, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Princes Risborough (Buckinghamshire)

And additional consultation rooms in Essex, Newcastle, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Edinburgh and Cardiff.

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Facts on Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) Surgery

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen

What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the breast tissue inside the breast glands. One or both breasts can be affected and a rubbery or firm mound of tissue that sits behind the nipple is usually felt.

What can cause gynecomastia?
In most cases gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance between testosterone and oestrogen in the body. Oestrogen causes breast tissue to grow and men usually have a larger amount of testosterone in their bodies which stops the breast tissue from growing.

In other gynecomastia cases it may come down to extra body weight causing the larger appearance of the chest – in this circumstance it is important to rule out that it is not Pseudogynecomastia which is fat accumulation in the chest. You can find out more about the differences between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia here

Puberty is another cause of gynecomastia as this is a time where hormone levels can vary. If this is the cause it is likely that as the boy reaches adulthood the hormone levels become more stable and the chest size will decrease.

Opposite to puberty, gynecomastia can also be caused by ageing. As men get older they produce less testosterone and this change in hormone levels again cause breast tissue growth.

In some rare cases gynecomastia can be caused by certain medications, illegal drugs, excessive alcohol and health abnormalities.

What can be done about Gynecomastia?
If you are worried about breast tissue growth then it may be worth visiting your GP who can go through your health and medication history and initially rule out any underlying causes. You may be given medication to adjust your hormone imbalance.

Here at The Private Clinic we have a variety of different surgical options for male chest reduction;

Micro Liposuction – Micro liposuction is a great treatment for smaller cases of gynecomastia. It uses a smaller cannula to remove the fat and is performed under local anaesthetic or sedation if required.

Vaser Liposuction – Vaser liposuction is a walk-in walk-out procedure that is ideal for the standard case of gynecomastia and is very effective at male chest reduction. The procedure again is performed under local anaesthetic or sedation if required. If you prefer a more athletic appearance then we also offer VASER High Definition which is great at creating a more sculpted chest.

Surgical Liposuction – If you have a larger amount of fat to be removed then you will most likely be offered surgical liposuction. This is performed under local anaesthetic and may require a hospital stay.

How much is liposuction for male breast reduction?
Prices for male chest reduction via vaser liposuction start from £2,940, an excision or liposuction can start from £5,620 and in more extreme cases a full male breast reduction starts from £8,820

During a consultation with your surgeon they will be able to assess your suitability for treatment and give you a more accurate quote.

The Private Clinic

Our doctors have performed thousands of lipo-contouring treatments including over 4,000 VASER treatments to date, more than any other clinic in Europe. If you are interested in finding more about male breast reduction, then visit us for a consultation with clinics across the UK;

London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow

With consultation rooms in Essex, Newcastle, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Edinburgh and Cardiff

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Pre and Post Op Varicose Vein Treatment (EVLA) FAQs

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen

When booking in for any type of procedure you will give a list of pre-treatment instructions to follow in the weeks leading up to your treatment date. For the majority of us we are just used to following these instructions but you shouldn’t be afraid of asking why. In this blog we are looking at some of the EVLA treatment instructions pre and post treatment and answering that very question: why?

EVLA or Endovenous Laser Ablation is minimally invasive method of destroying dysfunctional varicose veins. The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic and involves locating the damaged vein with ultrasound before using laser heat to collapse the wall of the vein and destroy the root cause of the problem.

Pre-Treatment

  • Let your surgeon and his/her team know if you are taking oral contraceptive pills

Why?

Some birth control pills can increase your risk of clotting. It is important that you inform your surgeon that you are taking them and the type on your medical history form. It is unusual that you will be asked to stop taking them for the purpose of this type of procedure, but you may be given a higher dose of premedication to prevent clot formation (DVT) in the legs after the procedure.

  • Do not apply creams or lotions to your leg before treatment

Why?

You will be instructed not to apply any type of moisturizer, sunblock or oil to your legs on the day of your procedure and advised to shower the morning before your treatment too. This is to ensure that your legs are clean, lotions on the skin have the potential to carry germs and bacteria that may promote infection. We want the area being treated to be sterile so having a shower the day of your surgery and not using any lotions afterwards will help ensure this. We also advise that you refrain from shaving your legs the day of your procedure; this is to reduce any razer burn irritation when the sterilizing wash is applied to your legs before surgery.

  • Wear loose trousers and shoes/or bring spare.

Why?

After you have had your EVLA treatment you will be bandaged up in an assortment of both bandages and compression stockings and your legs may swelled slightly too. This results in your legs being a little wider than they were when you first came in, so those skinny jeans are not going to go back on easily! We advise either coming in loose clothing or bringing a spare set that you can easily change into to go home in.

  • Make sure that you have had something to eat and drink before the procedure.

Why?

This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so you do not need to fast beforehand as if you were going under general anaesthetic. It is advisable to have a light breakfast or lunch before your procedure for example; tea and toast or a sandwich and soft drink. You might feel faint or sick after your procedure if you do not eat or drink as instructed.

Post Treatment

  • Resume normal activities immediately after treatment including walking

Why?

You may have been excited to get home and spend a few days with your feet up post-op but this is not the case! We always tell our patients to be up and about post treatment to get the circulation in the legs going and reduce any risk of DVT for example. A short 15-20 minute walk 3-4 times a day is more beneficial rather than a long march.

  • Wear compression stockings for the prescribed amount of time

Why?

Compression stockings are not the most attractive of garments we agree, but they are so important to aid your recovery post treatment. Wearing your stockings decreases the risk of blood clots developing in the leg, which is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Wearing the stocking also helps keep the treated vein from re-opening so make sure you wear it day and night until advised otherwise.

  • Avoid vigorous gym workouts, hot baths or excessive sun.

Why?

We mentioned before about keeping active whilst recovering after EVLA but that doesn’t mean you should head back to the gym the very next day. Vigorous workouts such as weight lifting, cycling, jogging or running should be avoided for at least 72 hours as the increased pressure caused by bearing down can push blood back into the treated vein therefore undoing the treatment.

Hot baths,  hot tubs and swimming pools should also be avoided for a week post treatment as exposing an already inflamed area to heat can increase the inflammation and cause dilation of small vessels in that area. There is also a risk of infection to healing wounds from hot tubs and swimming pools so we would again recommend you avoid these for at least 4-5 days. You may shower and clean the treated leg, but try to avoid submerging the leg in water. Use a plastic bin bag or cling film to prevent the treated leg from getting wet.

Sun exposure should be avoided for 2 weeks post treatment; the tissues are inflamed as part of the natural healing reaction. Direct sun exposure could stimulate the pigment cells in the areas and result in the area appearing more pigmented and so we would advise keeping your legs covered and/or using a high factor sun cream which our skin experts in clinic will be able to advise you on.

Summary

These are just some of the pre and post op instructions you will be given. The full list will be discussed during your consultation and/or given to you once you book your treatment and of course – if you want to question any of them not covered here – just give us a call!

The Private Clinic

We have over 30 years’ experience in offering the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for all types of veins. Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients. EVLA is considered the Gold Standard of treatment for varicose veins by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). We are able to offer competitively priced, walk-in walk-out procedures performed in one of our widely recognised in-house clinical facilities by some of the Country’s top Consultant Vascular Surgeons.

We are one of the UK’s most recognised, specialist varicose vein clinics with nationwide locations:

London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Northampton, Manchester, Glasgow, Essex, Weybridge, Bexhill and Bournemouth

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Vaser Liposuction vs CoolSculpting

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen

When it comes to body contouring there are a variety of different treatments and procedures about that claim to tackle the issue.

Vaser Liposuction

Vaser Liposuction is a minimally invasive treatment aimed at contouring and shaping the body. Usually performed under local anaesthetic with the option of sedation, the process involves making small incisions in the area to be treated before small probes are then inserted and used to transmit the ultrasound energy and liquefy fat cells prior to removal via a gentle suction process.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is often commonly referred to as fat-freezing which is essentially the aim of the procedure. CoolSculpting works by delivering carefully controlled cooling which targets the fat cells underneath the skin. Post-treatment your body will begin to naturally process and eliminate the dead fat cells which reduce the amount of fat cells in your body.

These two treatments are often the most commonly researched when it comes to picking a procedure for removing areas of fat. But how do they compare?

Vaser Liposuction CoolSculpting
Immediate Results Less dramatic results that are not seen for some time.
Single treatment Course of treatment required
Couple of days downtime No downtime
Local Anaesthetic (and Sedation if required) No need for anaesthetic
Precise body contouring Does not provide body contouring
Larger areas can be targeted Areas to be treated limited to application head

Why we don’t offer CoolSculpting?

You may have noticed that as a clinic, we do not offer the CoolSculpting treatment and we do get asked regularly, why not?

The main reason why we do not offer CoolSculpting is because The Private Clinic is the UK’s leading provider of vaser liposuction and our expert vaser doctors, Dr Dennis Wolf and Dr Vlok are pioneers in vaser lipo and have decades of experience.

The majority of our patients want to see a dramatic improvement in their body contour and the instant results of vaser liposuction cannot compare to CoolSculpting.

Despite its attractive price tag, CoolSculpting has the potential to end up costing more in the long run as you will need multiple treatments and the amount of area covered within a ‘session’ can be limited.

Vaser Liposuction in the vast majority of cases will only need one treatment and multiple areas can be treated in the same procedure without the additional time needed like CoolSculpting requires.

At the same time, for those looking to treat smaller areas of stubborn fat we instead offer MicroLipo (Microcannular Tumescent Liposuction) which is the least invasive liposuction treatment available. Perfect for smaller areas such as your chin, arms and abdomen it is able to remove stubborn fat using microcannulas which results in a reduced downtime with many patients returning to work 48 hours after treatment.

The downtime associated with Vaser Liposuction in comparison to CoolSculpting can also be another big deciding factor. It is true that there is downtime associated with Vaser Liposuction but depending on how your body reacts to CoolSculpting, there could be unexpected downtime after treatment too.

Overall, as a clinic we believe that our patients would be happier with the results from Vaser Liposuction compared to the results from CoolSculpting and this is why we don’t offer it in our clinics.

The Private Clinic

Our specialist vaser liposuction surgeons have performed over 4,000 Vaser Liposuction treatments to date, more than any other clinic in Europe. We have the expertise and experience to ensure that you have the best quality and most comprehensive care including a twenty-four hour patient helpline, post-operative care and appointments, comprehensive patient information and outstanding hospital facilities.

Dr Dennis Wolf –London Harley Street Clinic

Dr Vlok – Birmingham and Leeds Clinics

Dr Paul Cronin – Manchester Clinic

Dr Puneet Gupta – London Harley Street Clinic

We are able to offer consultations with our knowledgeable patient advisors at our Bristol, Glasgow and Buckinghamshire clinics and Consulting Rooms in Newcastle, Essex, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Cardiff and Edinburgh which are great for finding out more about the treatment.

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How to achieve great looking legs

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen

As the leaves on the trees are starting to turn that familiar shade of orange the majority of us may be mourning the loss of the long afternoons and warmer weather. For some of us however, the autumnal chill is a long-awaited feeling as we dig out the woolly tights and jeans in sheer relief.

For some however, that relief is not just over the excitement of a change of wardrobe, but instead goes a little deeper and is more connected to a feeling of self-consciousness over the appearance of their legs.

There are many reasons why you would want to cover up your legs from prominent veins to unwanted fat deposits but here at The Private Clinic we have a number of treatments to help you get great looking legs that you will be eager to show off come next summer!

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are large prominent veins which take on a bulging or blue/purple appearance that many find displeasing. They are most common on the legs and feet and can cause symptoms such as swollen feet or ankles, aching legs, dry skin and muscle cramps.

Unfortunately for many people varicose veins are not serious enough for treatment on the NHS and you may just be recommended to wear compression stockings, exercise and elevate your legs when resting but these are often not enough to reduce the appearance of them.

When it comes to treating varicose veins we have a variety of treatments but our most popular is EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) which is a minimally-invasive method of destroying dysfunctional varicose veins. The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic and has a quicker recovery time and higher success rates compared to traditional vein stripping.

We also offer foam sclerotherapy for smaller varicose veins and phlebectomy for veins that are not suitable for EVLA. In some cases it may be suggested that a combination of procedures are performed in order to give you the best possible result.

“Six months and three treatments later, my veins of leg are transformed. I am taking my new legs to Ibiza, where they can embrace miniskirts on a daily basis.” *

Jessica Lacey, Beauty Features Editor, Marie Claire
-Sclerotherapy with Mr. Constantinos Kyriakides.

 Varicose vein consultation and/or treatments available at;

London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow, Weybridge, Bexhill, Bournemouth, Essex and Newcastle

Thread Vein Removal

Thread veins are little blood vessels that run close to the surface of the skin resulting in the prominent appearance. They are often red or blue in appearance and are also called spider veins, broken veins or telangiectasia.

Thread veins are not usually dangerous but they may grow in size and new ones appear over time. Some people with thread veins actually have deeper varicose veins. If you are getting any of the symptoms of varicose veins these will need to be treated before thread veins can be treated.

There are again, several treatments for thread vein removal and your practitioner will be able to advise on the best treatment for you. Laser treatments such as the Cutera CoolGlide is a popular choice for smaller thread veins and it involves directing an intense light at the veins which causes the blood to coagulate and redirect to alternative veins below the surface of the skin.  We also offer Sclerotherapy which is when the veins are injected with a solution causing them to collapse and fade.

It is common to require a course of treatment to ensure you achieve the best result but once they have been removed they are gone. Treatment will not stop any new veins from appearing however so things like hormonal changes, pregnancy and weight gain could potentially cause new ones to appear over time.

“I was stoked with the results. I’ll be flashing my pins this summer!” *
Penny Carroll, Chief Sub-Editor, Women’s Fitness – Cutera Veins Treatment

Thread vein consultation and/or treatments available at;

London Harley Street, Weybridge, Bexhill, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Buckinghamshire and Glasgow.

Vaser Liposuction

There may be many reasons why someone would want Vaser liposuction but we are going to focus on some popular reasons for wanting vaser liposuction in the leg and thigh areas.

Overly fatty knees may cause you to avoid wearing shorts or skirts. Fat around your knees can be stubborn and in many cases a good diet and regular exercise can result in a leaner appearance but for some this is simply not the case. The fat around your knees is usually subcutaneous fat and it is often harder to lose as your body essentially holds on to it in case of emergency.

Vaser Liposuction is a minimally invasive treatment aimed at contouring and shaping the body and unlike traditional liposuction it can be performed under local anaesthetic and sedation (if requested). A small probe transmits the ultrasound energy which liquefies the fat cells before they are removed through a gentle suction process.

You will need to wear support garments post procedure and you may experience side effects such as swelling and water leakage from the wound but generally the downtime is minimal with you being able to see results 5-6 weeks post procedure.

Vaser liposuction is also suitable for thighs (inner and outer), Stomach/Abdomen, Breasts, Buttocks, Flanks, Arms (Bingo Wings), Chin, Back, Chest, Neck, Knees and Male chest reduction (gynecomastia).

“No one but me would ever notice anything had happened, but I wore shorts with confidence for the first time in many years and my knees garnered their first ever compliments. Subtle enough to be undetectable, significant enough to make a real difference – the holy grail of cosmetic surgery.”

Harper’s Bazaar

Vaser Liposuction consultation and/or treatments available at;

London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle or Manchester

Laser Hair Removal

A recent study has revealed that more than 49 per cent of us hate the idea of hair removal and while that may not be shocking, the fact that an average women would spend on average £23,000 to wax away unwanted hair over the course of her lifetime might be!

Laser hair removal is when unwanted hair is removed by exposing them to pulses of laser light that destroy the hair follicle. Our Laser hair removal treatments are suitable for both men and women of all skin types, including dark skin.

It’s not only your legs but your face, underarms, arms, bikini line, backs, shoulders, chest and abdomen can all be treated too. Usually you will need a course of treatment to achieve the best result but many people will see 80%-90% less hair growth after their course of treatment.

“I am saying to myself ‘why did I wait so long.’ No more carrying my wax around when I travel. No more unsightly hair to be conscious about. Bliss!”
Anon, London

Laser Hair Removal consultation and/or treatments available at;

London Harley Street, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Northampton and Buckinghamshire

The Private Clinic
As one of the UK’s leading aesthetic groups, we perform among the highest number of body contouring, skin and vein treatments in the UK. We offer a selection of procedures, from non-invasive speedy sessions to more long-term plastic surgery, to make sure you receive unbiased advice and the most effective way forward.

Clinics available in; London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow, Northampton and Buckinghamshire

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Introducing our new Ear Correction Surgery

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen

Although it is only thought that 1-2% of the UK population have prominent ears, the way in which it can negatively impact people’s lives can cause it to be a serious issue.

Prominent ears can cause those affected to have low self-confidence and just generally feel unhappy about their appearance. At The Private Clinic we are excited to launch a new treatment that offers an alternative way to correct prominent ears without the need for general anaesthetic and downtime.

Earfold ®

EarFold® is the name of a small implant that has been designed to reshape prominent ears quickly. The implant itself is curved so once it has been inserted into the ear it will spring into shape holding your ear in its new position. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and unlike an Otoplasty/Pinnaplasty you will have a chance to choose how your ears will look before the surgery takes place.

How an EarFold® compares to an Otoplasty Procedure.

EarFold® Otoplasty
Choose the position of your ears before procedure Yes No
Recovery Time Up to 7 days (bruising & swelling) Up to 6 weeks
Procedure time 20 Minutes 1-2 Hours
Aftercare Adhesive Dressing Protective Dressing/Head Bandage

An Earfold® implant is made from a highly elastic material called nitinol which is commonly used within medicine. The implant is then coated with 24-carat gold which helps to reduce visibility under your skin.

An EarFold® implant will be suitable for anyone with poor development of the antihelical fold which is actually the cause of the majority of prominent ears. If your ear prominence is down to having a deep conchal bowl however, EarFold may not be suitable for you but a consultation with one of our specialist surgeons will be able to assess your suitability.

Otoplasty

Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty as it is also known, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to resize, reshape or reposition prominent ears.

An otoplasty can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic depending on your individual case. During the procedure your surgeon will make an incision along the crease-line located behind your ear. They will remove excess cartilage that is causing your ears to protrude before then pinning it back along the fold setting it into its new position closer to your head.

You will need to take some time off work after an Otoplasty to ensure your safety and recovery. You will also be required to wear bandaging 5-7 days to help support the wound and it can take up to 6 weeks for full recovery.

The Private Clinic

We are the UK’s leading cosmetic group and have some of the most experienced surgeons in the country working with us. Consultant Facial Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Mr Brian Musgrove joins us at our London Harley Street clinic to offer The EarFold® Procedure.

Mr Brian Musgrove has been a trainer for Allergan (the manufacturer of EarFold®) for the last 2 years. He has been doing Earfold® for 3 years and has performed on average 300 per year so far.

Dr Jacobus Vlok is also available to offer the EarFold® procedure at our Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester clinic

We are also proud to have some of the most experienced Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons as part of our ear reshaping team including:

Mr Davood Fallahdar in London

Mr Navid Jallali in London

Mr Miles Berry in London

Miss Sujatha Tadiparthi in London

Mr Deemesh Oudit in Manchester

Mr Vasu Karri in Leeds

Mr Alastair Lowrie in Glasgow

Posted in Ear Fold Correction Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,

What are the signs for thinning hair?

Posted on by Rebecca Giffen

With the recent emotional outpouring from Nadia Sawalha from Loose Women regarding her hair loss fears and the confession from Ronnie Wood refusing chemotherapy in case he lost his hair, it seems that the fear of losing one’s locks is still a very emotive issue for many.  And one that is being increasingly thrust into the spotlight. This is good news for many as those suffering with hair loss or thinning may have felt alone in their struggles before.

What should you do if you feel you are losing hair?” The important thing here is not to fear the worst!” says Jane Mayhead, Senior Trichologist.

Top signs for thinning hair can include;

Hair Clumps – We are all prone to some natural ‘hair fall’ and you will probably notice this as your brush your hair or in the shower after washing your hair, but in some cases you may notice a little more than your normal level of hair loss. If you run your fingers through your hair and come away with clumps of hair rather than a few strands then your hair is likely to be thinning.

Bald Patches – If you are experiencing what you feel is more than a natural hair fall then another sign to look for is areas of concentrated hair loss than may be creating thin areas of hair or even bald patches.

Weight – If you have thicker hair then the weight of your hair is a big giveaway for any changes that may be occurring. If you notice your hair feeling lighter, then this could be due to thinning.

Visible Scalp – Traditionally women tend to loose hair from the top of their heads near their partings unlike men who usually start to lose it from the front initially. If you have noticed that the width of your parting has changed or that your scalp is more visible than normal then you may be experiencing hair thinning.

Styling Problems – If you usually wear your hair in a ponytail then you may notice it starting to feel thinner than normal. You may also find you have to take more turns of your hair tie to secure it

“Thinning hair for both men and women can be a very emotional and often difficult to predict but just because you see an increase of shedding hair or feel your hair is not as thick as it was there’s no reason to feel in despair, talking to a Trichologist can be of great benefit in many ways”, advises Jane.

“In most cases hair loss or thinning is not serious. Indeed, even with chemotherapy hair loss, the hair returns to how it was after the treatment has finished in the vast majority of cases. There is also a new type of cold cap on the horizon making hair loss even less likely”

“We are here for emotional support and provide practical solutions for a varied range of hair loss issues with reassurance being the most common. Every case is different but in the vast majority of cases treatment or stability can be achieved if proper diagnosis is found in good time. Certainly, prevention is better than cure so checking the issue in the early stages is crucial! “

We only work with highly recognised, Trichology professionals certified by the Institute of Trichologists to get the best results for your needs.

Beginning with a thorough medical examination, your personal trichologist will analyse your hair problem and diagnose what the underlying issue is. They will advise on the most suitable treatment for your needs; be it medication, topical creams, nutritional rebalancing, or referral to one of The Private Clinic’s in-house Hair Transplant Surgeons or Dermatologists and will help you make sure your results are worthwhile and long-lasting.

Hair loss consultations are available in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.

Posted in Hair Loss Tagged with: , ,
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